By Roselyn Fauth
Next time you are at Ashbury Park, see if you can find the Matson Tree. At the base is a plaque: Dedicated to the memory of the late W. M. Matson by the N.E. IMP. Assoc. Oct. 1922 This inscription refers to William Matson, a respected member of the Timaru community, whose passing in 1922 prompted the planting of this tree as a tribute to his character and service. It was placed there by the North End Improvement Association, of which he had been an active member.
So, Who Was W. M. Matson?
William Matson died on 25 October 1922 at the age of just 43. At the time of his death, he was chief auctioneer for Pyne, Gould, Guinness Ltd in Timaru... a position of significant responsibility and public visibility, particularly among the farming community. Born in Christchurch to Conway Matson, he was educated at Christ’s College and began his working life in the family business, Conway, Matson and Sons. He later joined H. Matson and Co. and eventually moved to the Southland Farmers’ Co-operative Association. Roughly eight years before his death, he joined Pyne, Gould, Guinness, where he rose to become chief auctioneer. Matson was widely known across the South Island. He earned the respect of clients for his expertise in wool and livestock, and more importantly, for his integrity. Farmers valued him not only for his professional knowledge, but for the straightforward and trustworthy manner in which he conducted business.
He was a member of the North End Improvement Association and took a keen interest in civic affairs. In earlier years, he had also been an enthusiastic supporter of amateur athletics and a familiar figure in Christchurch sporting circles.
He married Miss Fear of Woodend and was survived by his wife and two children. The news of his death was met with widespread sorrow. Flags were flown at half-mast in Timaru as a mark of respect, and his funeral took place in Christchurch, where he was buried at St Paul’s Churchyard in Papanui. A family plaque remains there, marking the Matson plot.
The Matson Tree continues to grow in Ashbury Park as a living memorial to a man whose honesty, work ethic and community spirit made a lasting impression. It stands as a reminder that public parks are not just places of recreation, but also repositories of local memory and quiet tribute.
Next time you pass through Ashbury Park, take a moment to visit the Matson Tree.
